Don’t keep your travel plans on hold because the monsoons are here. Here are 20 places that have a lot more to offer during the rains.
1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
The ‘queen of hill stations’ will charm you with her stunning scenery during the monsoons. June, being the very busy season here, you’ll have to plan quite well in advance.
2. Leh-Ladakh
The best time to travel to Leh-Ladakh is between June and September. Expect moderate to heavy rainfall, and do carry your windproof jackets and raincoats.
3. Mandrem, Goa
When is Goa off from the hustle and bustle of tourists? During the rains. During the monsoons, you will see Goa like never before – quiet and quaint. Try planning a monsoon trip to Mandrem, which is to the north of Ashwem. However, be ready to see closed shutters and signs, as most hotels and accommodations are closed due to fewer tourists. Needless to say, avoid swimming in the sea at all cost.
4. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
If you’re in Mumbai and want a quick monsoon getaway, then head to Malshej Ghats. Home to migratory flamingos during the monsoons, Malshej will rejuvenate you with its foggy hills and beautiful greenery.
5. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Touted as one of the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee receives insane rainfall during the monsoons. And why should you go there to witness it? Well, if you truly love the rains, you must see its other side too – the other side being an extreme downpour.
6. Alleppey, Kerala
During the rains, the backwaters will look straight out of a painting. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey needs to be explored through lazy houseboats. Go with your better half, because going with friends is utterly pointless.
7. Pondicherry
A monsoon vacation in Pondy (as its fondly called) will be sheer bliss. It is an experience to walk under one’s umbrella on wet cobbled streets and pass through bougainvillea-draped colonial-era townhouses in the French colony.
8. Lonavala, Maharashtra
It’s a bit risky to plan Lonavala during the rains. But if you take simple precautions then Lonavala should be more than pleasant. The place has been tarnished due to an increasing number of drowning cases. The hill station has dams like Bhushi, Pavna and Mulshi which are always crowded with revellers.
9. Lavasa, Maharashtra
You don’t need a season to visit Lavasa, however, the monsoons enhance the beauty of its lush green scenery.
10. Hampi, Karnataka
A six-hour drive from Bengaluru, Hampi is all about travelling back in time. The picturesque temple ruins with the clouds looming over will make for great pictures.
11. Darjeeling, West Bengal
If you love sipping tea by the window and watching the rains from the cool confines of your home, then Darjeeling is the place for you. Monsoons are the best time to sit back and relax with a cup of hot Darjeeling chai by your side.
12. Shillong, Meghalaya
If you don’t mind getting drenched in the downpour, we suggest you visit Shillong. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, you will be surprised by what it has to offer.
13. Wayanad, Kerala
‘The Land of Paddy Fields’, as it’s called, looks heavenly during the rains. Apart from the delicious Kerala cuisine on banana leaves, you will also get to watch herds of elephants enjoying the rains.
14. Champai, Mizoram
The scenic Champai is covered with green moors and rice fields. The climate during the rains turn misty and cool and therefore attracts local tourists.
15. Sajjangarh, Rajasthan
After the scorching heat, comes the first drop of rain, which makes dry Rajasthan turn into a verdant oasis. Sajjangarh is one such place, which will captivate you with its location and beauty. You can also head to Udaipur after experiencing nature’s play at Sajjangarh.
16. Tea Gardens, Assam
Make some golden memories if you plan to stay in the boutique heritage bungalows in the tea gardens in Assam.
17. Western Ghats, Maharashtra
Spread across six states, the Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight most significant hotspots, renowned for its biodiversity. For wildlife enthusiasts, this place is a haven as you could capture some amazing wildlife on your cameras.
18. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
The hometown of author Ruskin Bond, Mussoorie would make you want to stay and never leave. During the rains, you will get to experience some amazing views of snow capped Himalayan peaks and some fresh, clean air.
19. Coorg, Karnataka
For those who love monsoon trekking, Coorg is a great option to consider. Alternatively, you can also sit back and relax and gorge on some akki (rice) rotti and pandi (pork) curry at the North Coorg Club, while it’s pouring heavily outside.
20. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Although the Jim Corbett National Park is mostly closed during the monsoons, the Jhirna zone remains open throughout the year. Rains put back life into the flora and fauna, and you could get some stunning photography done.
